Chapter 8: A Public Display of Affection
Lin Chaoxi never expected her first red carpet appearance as "Mrs. Shen" to come this soon.
The PR team had arranged everything within forty-eight hours—her gown, jewelry, styling, and even a full-page interview to appear in tomorrow's top entertainment magazine. All for the sake of optics. The CEO's new bride couldn't just hide in the shadows.
"Smile, but don't look too excited," Xu Mei, the assistant, whispered as she fluffed the hem of Chaoxi's glittering navy dress. "The public loves elegance with a hint of mystery."
Chaoxi adjusted her earrings and stared at her reflection in the mirror. She looked…expensive. Beautiful, even. But this wasn't really her.
"This is only temporary," she reminded herself under her breath.
The door opened, and the room seemed to freeze.
Shen Muyan stood there, dressed in a custom-fit black tuxedo, his dark hair slicked back, his expression unreadable. His gaze swept over her slowly—appraising, calm, and for the first time, lingering.
"You clean up well," he said dryly.
"So do you," Chaoxi replied, refusing to be flustered. "Shall we play the loving couple now?"
He didn't smile. "We'll do more than play. We need to convince shareholders that our marriage is real."
"Of course," she said lightly, though her heart skipped. "Let's make them believe."
Outside the hotel ballroom, flashes went off like a thousand stars exploding. Reporters yelled their names, fans screamed, and lenses followed their every move.
As their car pulled up to the red carpet, Chaoxi's nerves coiled tight.
"Don't panic," Shen Muyan said quietly beside her. "Hold my arm. Look at me like I'm the only man in the world."
She arched a brow. "Is that how you want your wife to look at you?"
"For tonight, yes."
They stepped out.
The cameras clicked furiously. The crowd gasped.
This wasn't just a marriage of convenience—it looked like the power couple of the year.
Shen Muyan's hand settled at her waist, firm but gentle. They walked in sync, every step calculated but effortless. When they stopped in front of the biggest media wall, he leaned in—just enough to brush his lips against her temple.
Chaoxi stiffened.
"Relax," he murmured. "Smile."
She obeyed.
The photo that would go viral within hours showed a stunning woman in navy silk, blushing as the nation's most eligible CEO kissed her on the red carpet. #ShenLinCouple trended within minutes.
But the smile on Chaoxi's lips wasn't entirely fake. For the first time, she understood how dangerous Shen Muyan's charm could be—especially when it wasn't an act.
—
Backstage, while sponsors toasted and celebrities mingled, Chaoxi found a quiet corner. Her phone buzzed non-stop.
A message from her agent popped up:
"You're trending. Netizens are obsessed. Want to book you for two more endorsements?"
She should've felt victorious.
Instead, her chest tightened.
"Running away already?" Shen Muyan's voice came from behind.
She turned. "Just needed a moment to breathe."
He walked closer. "You did well out there."
"So did you. People almost believe we're in love."
His gaze locked on hers. "What if we weren't faking?"
Her throat dried.
Before she could answer, a female voice interrupted—
"President Shen? What a surprise."
The speaker was tall, elegant, and familiar. Ji Lan. The real female lead of the original story. The one the system had warned her about.
Shen Muyan's expression shifted. His smile thinned. "Miss Ji."
Ji Lan's eyes flicked to Chaoxi, polite but sharp. "You must be the new Mrs. Shen. I've heard so much about you."
Chaoxi returned the smile. "All good things, I hope?"
Ji Lan laughed. "Of course. It's always fun watching the entertainment world play pretend."
Shen Muyan stepped in. "Let's not pretend tonight, Ji Lan. You're not invited to the business circle's private lounge, are you?"
A flash of something—hurt?—crossed Ji Lan's face before she composed herself. "Not tonight. But I'll be back."
She walked off, her heels clicking like a warning.
Chaoxi exhaled. "Was that your ex?"
"Something like that," he said. "We were arranged to be engaged. Until she walked away."
"And now I'm the replacement."
Shen Muyan's voice was low. "You're not a replacement. You're the first woman who ever dared to challenge me."
She stared. "Is that a compliment?"
He offered a rare smile. "It's a warning."
Back home that night, silence fell like fog over the penthouse.
Chaoxi changed out of her gown and padded barefoot into the living room. Shen Muyan was already there, sleeves rolled, tie loosened, two glasses of wine on the table.
"To our successful act," he said, raising his glass.
She clinked hers. "To the illusion."
But as the glasses touched, her fingers brushed his.
Neither pulled away.
Maybe it was the wine. Maybe it was the adrenaline. Maybe it was something far more dangerous.
But when he leaned forward this time, Chaoxi didn't move.
The kiss was slow. Careful. Like a test neither wanted to admit they were taking.
And when it ended, the silence between them was heavier than before.
"This doesn't change anything," she whispered.
He didn't answer.
But in his eyes, something had definitely changed.